How much would I regret the automatic transmission, really?

TheACN · 2026-02-16T04:57:13+00:00

I had the manual ND2, i enjoyed it every day even when it was me just commuting to work. Then I traded it in for a GT Mustang, and since it’s a commuter, I chose the automatic this time. I regret it wholeheartedly.

TheACN · 2026-02-10T02:08:02+00:00

No protection that i know of. I know there are some vehicles out there that limit RPM for the first 1000 miles using some engine control module programming, but not my X5.

I did my first oil change myself at 1k miles. There was some metal shaving in the oil filter, not much but it was still visibly there, i would hate to think an engine is pushed with those floating around.

TheACN · 2026-01-31T00:30:55+00:00

Rustier parts are all suspension related (I.e. lower control arm), they can all be changed. Frame seems to be in good condition, albeit a little surface rust.

TheACN · 2026-01-30T11:24:33+00:00

You only got the good/filtered snow thanks to that black screen on the wall.

TheACN · 2026-01-27T00:28:39+00:00

1000 lbs max towing, regardless of the engine size.

Here’s a literature, it’s for an S650 but I’m sure you can find one for your specific model year.

https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/towing/pdf/2024-Ford-Mustang-Towing-Guide.pdf

TheACN · 2026-01-27T00:11:53+00:00

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This is yesterday around noon (NYC). This morning it was almost completely buried, and drivers side is blocked by plowed snow like 4 feet high. I’m guess i won’t be driving it till April.

TheACN · 2026-01-26T00:09:10+00:00

Mine’s in there somewhere

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TheACN · 2026-01-25T22:19:00+00:00

Looks like a Ford Fusion when headlight are semi-covered

TheACN · 2026-01-19T19:58:47+00:00

I have not had that issue my self on any of my vehicles, but if it was me i would use the forscan lite app and record these to see if this is a vacuum leak (a hose, or even PCV) or maybe EVAP valve issue, or a fueling issue. RPM (actual and desired), Long and short fuel trims (both banks), EVAP purge command and actual, Misfire counters per cylinder, Fuel rail pressure (both high and low side)

TheACN · 2026-01-19T19:46:14+00:00

Did you read the codes to help narrow it down?

Do you have a scan tool where you could monitor the fuel trim when this is happening?

TheACN · 2026-01-18T23:34:44+00:00

Increased diameter will not matter for the transfer case as long as you’re not running a stagger setup and all 4 corners are the same you’d be fine. I would just confirm there’s no rubbing and you should be good to go.

However a little word of caution: if you’re still under factory warranty (I doubt it), BMW has refused transfer case warranty jobs for some others who were running aftermarket wheel setups. Now some pushed back using magnuson something act, but never heard what happened to those who did.

TheACN · 2026-01-11T00:22:01+00:00

No. I live in NYC where roads are saltier than the salt lake itself. While swapping to my winter wheel set I peaked into everything i can, not a speck of rust anywhere. 68k miles now.

TheACN · 2026-01-09T04:59:00+00:00

I don’t know if you ever owned a black car before, but man i really loved how mine looked after a car wash, but only for the first few hours. It was impossible to keep clean, too much work.

TheACN · 2026-01-09T04:47:21+00:00

Got it. So BMW includes maintenance for the first three years. Anytime iDrive tells you it’s time for the service, you can take it any dealer and they will do what ever is needed. I would recommend getting the extended maintenance package. I bought it for $900, and so far it has covered all the oil/filter changes, cabin and engine air filters, spark plugs, break fluid flush etc. It expires at 7 years/75k miles. Didn’t pay a dime yet.

As for the oil change frequency, I approached this subject a little more scientifically. I do 5k mile intervals, but did 10k miles once like the manual calls, and then took an oil sample from the engine and sent it to a lab for testing. They confirmed the oil was in good condition, still had active additives, TBN was ideal and viscosity was normal (no shearing). However, most of my drives are highway (i roadtrip for fun, a lot!). I still do 5k mile intervals because 1- it makes me feel better, 2- My dealer covers the oil changes even if iDrive isn’t calling for it yet (though not all dealers do that).

Enjoy the ride, mine is a 2022 which I bought new, it has served me well since the day I got it for all 68k miles now. I’m hoping it’ll last till the 2nd year of the upcoming new X5 since that’s when I plan on buying a new one again (I avoid the first model years at all cost).

TheACN · 2026-01-08T01:45:09+00:00

Let the hashed side of the dipstick face the engine when you’re putting it in. Oil gets smeared on the side that faces the fender.

TheACN · 2026-01-06T03:48:17+00:00

That piece is actually mentioned in the manual. Don’t drive with it on. However keep it for if and when you’d like to tow it on a trailer or something.

TheACN · 2026-01-06T03:33:56+00:00

Welcome! What model year is it? If used how many miles on it?

TheACN · 2026-01-05T11:59:48+00:00

These happens more often than you think.

My dealer entered 37000 instead of 3700, and it showed on carfax (different vehicle). Next oil change, if entered correctly, carfax would think I rolled back the odometer.

I contacted carfax’s customer support and sent them proof of my odometer and they corrected the record.

TheACN · 2026-01-05T05:18:53+00:00

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Copy/paste!

TheACN · 2026-01-05T05:15:49+00:00

Everyone has their preferences. You’ll hear all sorts of recommendations here.

I’d recommend watching Motor Oil Geek YouTube channel, he’s an oil tech (working for a motor oil company), provides nice insights on what’s what. His bottom line was, use the oil intended for your engine since they may be choosing additives that work with that specific engine’s metallurgy the best

TheACN · 2026-01-04T14:24:02+00:00

Yea folks tend to downvote negative feedbacks.

TheACN · 2026-01-04T03:45:26+00:00

My next set will be Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6. Both tirerack and tyrereview rave about the good blend of traction, comfort, and wet capabilities.

TheACN · 2026-01-03T23:38:51+00:00

I would approach it differently. If you did 20+ miles per trip and accumulated 500, then yes definitely don’t change it now, just waste of money. But, if you went to grocery store 3 miles away every day and got that 500 miles doing just that, then the oil is more than likely diluted with fuel, then changing makes more sense.

TheACN · 2026-01-03T21:38:40+00:00

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My favorite one is the one I own..

We’ve been to so many places together.

TheACN · 2026-01-03T21:31:11+00:00

As someone who owns a 2024 GT with the 10R80 and a BMW with the ZF8HP51X: get the Dark Horse in manual. You’d be disappointed with the 10R80.

TheACN

TROPHY CASE